Italy’s Nicolo Martinenghi, winner of the men’s 100m breaststroke at the Paris 2024 Games, will seek further success in the French capital after regaining fitness in time to be named in the national team.
The 26-year-old from Varese, who won world silver in Singapore last summer, injured his shoulder at the start of this year and missed the national trials in April before confirming his place through his showing at the Sette Colli meeting in Rome earlier this month.
Martinenghi already has seven European long course medals, including three golds which he won in Rome four years ago at the last edition of the Championships Italy contested.
Looking back now on your Paris 2024 experiences, which do you most clearly recall?
Having clear memories of Paris is really hard. But the thing I definitely remember the most is having shared such a beautiful moment in the pool with all the people I love!
What do you remember of the Olympic atmosphere and the city? Did it feel different to other competitions?
Unfortunately I had little time to see the city – but for sure the Olympics create a different atmosphere to anything else – and to be in Paris was really magical.
How different as an athlete and a person do you think you are heading into Paris 2026 compared to Paris 2024?
My life has definitely changed since Paris 2024. But I live the life of an athlete in the same way. I always try to have fun.
How important to your impetus was winning silver at last year’s World Championships?
Trying to confirm yourself, especially after an Olympic gold, is certainly a difficult challenge – but at the same time very stimulating. Winning silver last year in Singapore was a huge cause for satisfaction.
What are your personal ambitions for Paris 2026?
First of all for Paris 2026 the main goal was to be there!
After a difficult season where a shoulder injury kept me out of action from January until June it was a huge challenge.
How significant will the Paris 2026 Championships be for you in terms of a marker on the route to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics?
Every race I do is important and helps me build my path as an athlete. It will be the same for Paris this year.
Were you able to have friends and family watching you in Paris. If so, how special was that and will it happen again this summer?
Family and friends have always been my greatest stimulus! When I swim I also do it for them and having them there with me will be great.
Did you have much chance to experience Paris as a city in 2024? What will be on your city wishlist this summer?
As I said before I had little time to see the city unfortunately.
But I would really like to visit the city properly – that will definitely be on my list of things to do.
Swimming at the European Aquatics Paris 2026 Championships will take place at the Olympic Aquatics Centre in St Denis from August 10 to 16.
Mike Rowbottom for European Aquatics
